A while back someone posted a link to some very useful pages that would help someone like me get his catenary erection going. I have lost the link and my attempts at search have brought out 100s pages.

This is for older Marklin stuff on M track. I have some period catalogues that will help but I know that there is something better out there.

Many thanks in advance.

Edited by moderator 24 June 2017 23:33:56(UTC)  | Reason: Made topic Sticky

Many, many thanks, that is exactly what I was looking for...hours of entertaining fun ahead...bet I run out 7023 first!

Best

Michael

Try it here

https://www.ebay.de/p/M%...6-Oberleitung/1804697076

(he is writing almost sold out.)

https://www.ebay.de/itm/...8974?hash=item213af66cae

https://www.ebay.de/p/M%...sid=p2047675.m4097.l9055

https://www.ebay.de/itm/...RAUBEN-usw-/262959957695

https://picclick.de/25f-...Cck-in-282301124596.html

of course they are all used.

I typed the German words "märklin fahrdraht isolierung" or "maerklin oberleitung isolierung" into Google and got all these results.

Ah ah found it using google " maerklin cross span".

It is the #74106. The extended outrigger can be adjusted further or closer to the first track.



And here is a photo of the real thing I took in December 2018.
It is at Eberbach on the Neckar River, south Odenwald BW.
This one has dual arms at 180 degrees.
And dual outriggers at the end of the arm.

I took the picture of the train, but just happened to include this great structure.


Kimball

Edited by user 03 January 2019 08:12:59(UTC)  | Reason: included the photo of the real structure.

After watching the "3rd rail" videos, it appears the Marklin train system was not created for children. The complexity of signaling and catenary requires adult hands on and even that may be too intense for some adults. I now can understand why some don't use catenary on their layouts; it is complicated. I am attempting to employ catenary on my layout, but I will be using self-made catenary components for a custom installation. I think it will be much easier (and less costly) than using Marklin components. Designing it from the ground up may sound like "re-inventing the wheel", but it gives me understanding along the way of how it all comes together. But I do acknowledge the work others have done to make Marklin trains the best system around. Many have said, "Marklin trains are too expensive and overpriced", but just look at an exploded view of a typical Marklin locomotive and you will understand why they cost so much more than the competitors product.

I don't believe I would be an electrical engineer today if it wasn't for endless, sometimes frustrating, hours of trial and error as a kid in my parents basement playing with Märklin trains.

I think there is some truth in it (Märklin helped me), I'm not an engineer, I'm not a technician, I'm not a computer whizz, I'm not an electronic whizz but I'm able to fit Led's into my locos and I was able with the help of an electronic engineer to establish a module with a reflective optocoupler which in turn triggers a pulse (usable for 1 direction only)., the benefit is not just having a bullet proof switching module but it can be mounted anywhere on the track between the sleepers., it has an 8mm maximum height sensor so axles are excluded from triggering a pulse and I think Märklin has failed to make a 100 % reliable switchen track., regardless if its a K-track or C-track.

John

Hornby Dublo three rail was simple with no complications. When Meccano Ltd decided to go over to two rail the trouble started which many say ultimately led to the company’s downfall and it’s takeover by Triang. Kids and their fathers just could not fathom out the wiring and extra special rails required if you had points, rival two rail manufacturers had insulated ‘frog’ points which were self isolating. The Hornby Dublo two rail system was designed by a talented and very capable electrical engineer and was technically superior to most other two rail systems of the time but it’s complexity put buyers off big time. Too late they introduced ‘Simplex’ points which were self isolating.
If users were put off by the intricacies of Märklin catenary at least most could cope with the more basic elements and would buy Märklin anyway.
I found that Märklin is as complicated or simple as you want to make it.
I was an instructor in and later ran a British Railways technical school and agree with KiwiAlan that a lack of Meccano in a student’s childhood really put them at a disadvantage in the technical world. Some had no idea of how to use a screwdriver!
ChrisG

I apologize if this has been covered before. I'm planning a 320cm x 140 cm digital HO C-track layout with decorative catenary.

For the shadow station, should I use the Viesmann tunnel catenary 4195 or no catenary at all? If no catenary, how much height do I need so I can run with the Pantographs up?

Thanks!

Hi Jean, thank you for the suggestions!

I'm at the point to build a transition from non-tunnel to tunnel section before I cover up (I was able to get enough clearance and test ran a few e-loks with pantographs up).

What is the best method for the transition back to catenary? I'm playing around with the Viessman 4195 tunnel system but doesn't work as smooth as i wish.

Thank you again for all your help!

Best, Stan

I have used Jean's suggestion for over a decade. I first saw the catenary mast on a small block of wood at the 2013 Treff. An Italian group of M track enthusiasts used it on a large, and beautiful modular layout. It works beautifully. I also use very light fishing line, 4 1/2 test, to tie the pantographs down to a lower more realistic height. This helps keep them either just under, or just touching the catenary. As I do not use the catenary for power, only for looks, this is quite successful. The light line is invisible. The only drawback is that it can be trying to get just right for height.